MT News Service
Jammu, November 13:
Senior Congress leaders including Former Ministers Raman Bhalla and Yogesh Sawhney on Saturday congratulated cricketer Umran Malik and his family in person for his selection in India A Squad for the upcoming South Africa Tour. They paid a visit to Umran Malik’s residence in Jammu to congratulate the young pacer and convey their regards to his family. During the visit, the leaders talked to Umran Malik and gave him their best wishes for a successful career.
In a statement issued to mercury times, the Congress leaders recalled all of his achievements that he has collected at such a young age and said he is steadily climbing the ladder of his professional career because of his hard work. In April 2021, he was selected as one of three net bowlers for 2021 Indian Premier League and made his debut in this reputed tournament.
He emerged as a rising cricket star after his applaudable performance in the IPL where he clocked speeds in excess of 150kph. As a result of his fast-bowling, he was named as a net bowler for India’s team for the 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
Now, he has been named in India A squad for the tour of South Africa starting November 23. ‘This is a great set of achievements for him starting out and there is lot more to come.’, said Sawhney.
Bhalla lauded Malik’s achievement for making the cut into India’s A Squad and wished him success for his rising cricketing career. He added that such talented sportspersons are the pride of the country.
Sawhney called it a proud moment for Jammu Kashmir and said “My heartiest congratulations to him and the whole family.
This is a great achievement and a very fruitful result of the young man’s sheer hardwork and talent.
The blessings of the people are with him.”
Speaking on sports and sports talent, Bhalla and Sawhney further commented on the poor condition of sports infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir.
They said that J&K has an immense pool of talent and it should be tapped into. Many more talented people like Umran will find their names to the top if a healthy sports environment is nurtured here. There is talent but no stadiums to practice, no proper equipments, no proper infrastructure. The government has taken no efforts in this sector. He urged the BJP government to invest in sports infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir and so that such talent of the youth is promoted and encouraged.
The Congress leaders asked the family to ask for any help if needed and assured them of their support. They said that it is inspiring and commendable that the young man delivered in performace and emerged as a deserving player.
It is a matter of great pride for Jammu that Malik will play for the Indian Team, the stated.
They also wished Malik success in the South Africa tour. Umran Malik’s family, which had prior personal relations with the Congress leaders Raman Bhalla and Yogesh Sawhney and long time association with the Congress party, thanked them for their congratulations and wishes and appreciated the visit.
Along with Raman Bhalla, Yogesh Sawhney, Kamal Singh, Rajesh Sharma, Jatin Vashisht, Jatinder Chib, Raj Kumar, Gagan Baral, Pappu and others were present for the visit.